Decoding VAR: how football’s video assistant referee works

Get to know the basics of VAR and how it's changing the beautiful game

Football, or soccer, is a sport loved by millions around the world. With the introduction of VARor Video Assistant Referee, the game has become more accurate and fair. But what exactly is VAR, and how does it work? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of VAR and explore its role in modern football.

VAR is a system designed to help referees make more accurate decisions. It uses a team of officials, including a video assistant referee, an assistant video assistant referee, and a replay operator, to review certain decisions made by the on-field referee.

The goal of VAR is to reduce errors and ensure that the correct decisions are made.

What can VAR review?

VAR can review four main types of decisions: goalspenalty decisionsdirect red cardsand mistaken identity. If a referee makes a decision in one of these areas, the VAR team can review it to determine if an error was made.

The VAR team uses a combination of video footage and audio communication to make their decision.

How does VAR work?

The VAR process typically begins with the video assistant referee reviewing the footage of the incident. The referee will then communicate with the on-field referee to discuss the decision. If the VAR team determines that an error was made, they will notify the on-field referee, who will then make the corrected decision. The referee may choose to review the footage themselves on a pitch-side monitor before making a final decision.

Clear and obvious errors

One of the key principles of VAR is the concept of clear and obvious errors. This means that the VAR team will only intervene if the on-field referee has made a mistake that is clearly and obviously wrong. If the decision is a close call, the VAR team will not intervene, and the original decision will stand. This principle helps to ensure that VAR is used judiciously and does not disrupt the flow of the game.

Common myths about VAR

Despite its widespread use, there are still many misconceptions about VAR. One common myth is that VAR slows down the game. While it’s true that VAR can cause some delays, the system is designed to be as efficient as possible. Another myth is that VAR is infallible. While VAR has helped to reduce errors, it’s not perfect, and mistakes can still be made.

Reading on-screen graphics during matches

During a match, you may see on-screen graphics indicating that VAR is being used. These graphics can help you understand what’s happening and why the game has been stopped. Typically, the graphics will indicate what type of decision is being reviewed and whether the original decision has been overturned. By understanding these graphics, you can gain a better appreciation for the VAR process and how it’s being used to improve the game.